Bohnacker back on top after 9 years and Naeslund wins at home

Jan 26, 2020·Ski Cross

©GEPA: Daniel Bohnacker (GER) back on top of the podium after a 9-year-wait

What a day for ski cross racing! The second competition day in Sweden’s Idre Fjäll was nothing short of action, passing and some really tight racing.

As for the women, Sandra Naeslund (SWE) was able to take the win in front of her home crowd at last, battling until the very finish line against yesterday’s winner Fanny Smith (SUI) and as for the men, Daniel Bohnacker stepped on top of the podium after a 9-year-long-wait.

In the women's big final we saw Naeslund, Smith and again the Canadian duo Marielle Thompson and Brittany Phelan mixing it up in a tight last heat of the day.

Thompson and Naeslund were the quickest out of the start gate, but soon the Swedish home hero positioned herself in first with Thompson right behind her. Smith seemed to have had again some troubles with the start, falling into third position right away and Phelan sitting in fourth.

Soon enough yesterday’s winner Fanny Smith used her extraordinary technique and speed to make a pass in one of the turns getting side by side with Naeslund. The Swedish athlete however seemed determined not to lose the win a second time.

The two women in the front would not give up the battle easily, only a little mistake by Smith in the final roller section caused her to lose some speed, which gave way to Naeslund taking her revenge on Smith and winning in front of her home crowd.

Thompson also had a little shock moment after one of the jumps, but was able to make it a safe landing after all and came in third, not giving Phelan a chance for the podium spot.

“I am really happy with today’s win! It was really tough racing with the girls today and I was fighting in every heat and gave it all I had and in the end was abole to win,” Naeslund commented.

As for the men, Daniel Bohnacker (GER), yesterday’s champ Ryan Regez (SUI) and the Canadians Brady Leman and Kevin Drury made it into the big final.

All four had a good start, but after the first rollers, Bohnacker was able to get into the top spot up front. Regez and Drury – quite different in height – were sitting close behind the German, going side-by-side for quite a while, until Drury was able to sneak into second position, leavin Regez in third and Leman in fourth.

In the negative turn, Drury chose a lower line than Bohnacker and was able to secure the top spot.
The final section seemed to make for some difficulties for all four and it was not until the final jump, where “Bohne” was able to generate the speed he needed to pass Drury just at the finish line, making it a photo finish decision.

Regez also came really close in the end, but was not able to make a pass and Leman did not seem to get an opportunity to leave the fourth position throughout the whole heat.

It was Daniel Bohnacker’s first win since 2011 and he seemed quite relieved and emotional in the finish saying: “The win feels very good. I put a lot of pressure on myself and others expected me to win another race and it just feels so good that I could bring it down today. On the last few features I gave it everything I had to overtake Kevin (Drury) and I am glad it worked out!”